5 Cybersecurity Questions Every Dealer Must Ask Their AI Provider

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a great reminder for dealerships to assess their security practices. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes a core part of automotive retail, protecting customer data isn't just about compliance—it's about trust. Dealerships that put security first not only safeguard their business but also strengthen relationships with customers. 

At Tekion, we believe a strong foundation for security and Responsible AI should enable innovation, not hold it back. Our AI solutions, purpose-built for automotive retail, deliver smarter workflows with the security, governance, and trust dealerships require. That's why we encourage every dealer to ask their AI providers the right questions—ensuring their technology partners are built to protect, perform, and grow with them. 

1. Where is my dealership's data going—and where is it stored? 

You can't protect what you can't track. Your provider should be fully transparent about where sensitive customer data resides. 

The Tekion Standard: Our AI-native, Automotive Retail Cloud (ARC) was designed with modern cloud architecture that securely manages and segregates data in a robust, compliant environment—giving you confidence and peace of mind. 

2. How do I know my data is secure and private? 

A simple "yes" isn't enough. Push for specifics on security protocols, starting with: "How is our data encrypted?" 

The Tekion Standard: Security is built into everything we do. All data on our platform is protected with industry-standard encryption and further safeguarded by advanced security measures—ensuring your data remains confidential, resilient, and secure. This is the foundation for our Responsible AI approach. 

3. Is this AI trained on real dealership workflows? 

Generic AI won't cut it in the complex world of automotive retail. Poorly trained models lead to inaccurate insights, inefficient workflows, and frustrating customer experiences. 

The Tekion Standard: Tekion AI is purpose-built for the automotive industry. Trained on real dealership data and processes, our AI understands the unique nuances of your operations—driving efficiency, accuracy, and smarter outcomes across every workflow. 

4. How does your platform help us comply with regulations like the FTC Safeguards Rule? 

Compliance can't be an afterthought. With the FTC Safeguards Rule now explicitly covering auto dealers, your providers must uphold the same standards you're accountable to. 

The Tekion Standard: Tekion was built with compliance at its core. We provide the tools, protocols, and documentation to help you meet evolving regulatory requirements so you can operate with confidence. 

5. What security certifications and attestations do you hold? 

Trust must be earned. Ask for proof that a provider's security claims have been regularly audited—independent, third-party validation is the gold standard for security.  

The Tekion Standard: Transparency is a cornerstone of our approach. Through our Trust Portal, Tekion provides customers with direct access to our SOC 2 reports, ISO certifications, and security documentation—delivering the proof and accountability you deserve. 

Choose a Partner, Not Just a Provider 

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, remember: your dealership is the first and last line of defense for customer data. Meeting your obligations requires more than checking boxes—it requires a partner that makes security and compliance a priority from day one. 

At Tekion, we were built with security, compliance, and trust at the core—combining Responsible AI practices with the power of AI —so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional customer experiences and growing your business. 

Learn more about Tekion's commitment to security by visiting our Trust Portal.